Pierogi Casserole

Looking for a meatless meal for Lent?

Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step

Its the Lenten season for many Catholics and lots of people are eliminating meat from their diets and looking for yummy meatless meals that their whole families will enjoy!

Even if you aren’t observing Lent, it is nice to serve your family meatless meals every so often! I love that so many people are turning to meatless Monday’s for dinner and I always try and cook a few vegetarian dishes each week.

I think most people are familiar with the ethnic dish Pierogi, but in case you aren’t, it is a pasta traditionally filled with potato and cheese. They are delicious sautéed in butter and onions! Homemade pierogi are definitely the best, but they are very time consuming to make. My Mom makes delicious homemade pierogi but they take all afternoon.

This casserole gives you all the taste of pierogi, but without all the work of rolling out the dough and stuffing it!

There are a few different steps involved with this dish, but you can purchase the microwaveable steam and mash potatoes to save yourself some time and a dirty pot!

This dish is great as a main course, but can also be served along side fish, pork chops, or chicken. It is definitely filling enough to stand alone though! I hope you try this next time you are looking for a meatless meal for your family! It is easy and cheesy! What more could you ask for?!

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Pierogi Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb. extra wide egg noodles The flat ones, not curly!
• 1 lb. white potatoes peeled, cubed and then boiled until tender OR 1 bag of Ore-Ida Steam and Mash Frozen Potatoes, steamed
• 2 large onions sliced
• 4 tbsp. butter + more for mixing
• 1/2 cup milk+ more for mixing
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a large 2 large casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Three separate items need to be cooked. You can cook them all at once to avoid having one sit aside for too long.
3. If using the steam and mash potatoes, cook according to directions. While they are cooking, boil your noodles but reduce cooking time by 4 minutes to avoid overcooking. Drain and set aside.
4. In a small frying pan, prepare your onions by cooking in the 4 tbsp. of butter over medium heat until tender.
5. Once potatoes are ready in the microwave, remove from microwave and place in a mixing bowl.
6. Add milk, 1 cup of cheese,  salt and pepper, and onion mixture to your potatoes. Mash using a large wooden spoon or a hand held potato masher. Mash until soft, but some chunks remain. You don't want a completely smooth texture.  
7. Add in your noodles and toss to coat. Taste for seasoning and add more if necessary. If mixture seems dry, add more milk and butter until the entire mixture is lightly coated. Place in casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes or until cheese starts to bubble. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pierogi Casserole: History, Health Benefits & Tasty Variations

A Brief History of Pierogi Casserole

Pierogi have long been a staple in Eastern European cuisine, particularly in Polish, Ukrainian, and Slovak kitchens. Traditionally handmade and stuffed with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat, pierogi are often enjoyed at holidays and family gatherings.

The pierogi casserole is a modern, time-saving twist on the classic dumpling—believed to have originated in North America as a comfort food shortcut. Instead of individually filling and boiling pierogi, layers of pasta or frozen pierogi, creamy fillings, and cheese are baked together for a hearty, oven-ready dish that brings the same nostalgic flavors to your table with far less effort.

Health Benefits of Pierogi Casserole

While pierogi casserole is known for being rich and comforting, it can also be customized for nutrition:

• Protein Boost: Add lean ground turkey, chicken, or cottage cheese.
• Fiber-Rich: Use whole wheat noodles and add spinach, kale, or sautéed cabbage.
• Reduced Fat: Swap out heavy cream and full-fat cheese for Greek yogurt or low-fat alternatives.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pierogi or thinly sliced potatoes instead of pasta.

With a few simple tweaks, this cozy meal can become a balanced option for weeknight dinners.

What to Serve with Pierogi Casserole

Looking to round out your meal? These sides pair beautifully with the rich, cheesy layers of pierogi casserole:

• Simple Green Salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Steamed Broccoli for added greens
• Sautéed Mushrooms or Caramelized Onions to echo traditional pierogi fillings
• Cranberry Compote or Apple Sauce for a sweet-and-savory contrast
• Bonus tip: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of melted butter and herbs for an authentic Polish touch.

Creative Variations of Pierogi Casserole

There’s more than one way to enjoy this delicious dish! Here are some fun and flavorful twists:

Cheesy Bacon Pierogi Casserole

Layer frozen potato and cheddar pierogi with cooked bacon, caramelized onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Vegetarian Spinach & Mushroom

Sauté spinach, mushrooms, and garlic, then layer with ricotta or cottage cheese and pierogi for a lighter, meat-free meal.

Kielbasa & Kraut Casserole

Add sliced kielbasa and sauerkraut between pierogi layers for a smoky, tangy punch.

Spicy Southwest Pierogi Bake

Substitute in pepper jack cheese, black beans, corn, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a fun Tex-Mex spin.

Potato-Less “Pierogi” Casserole

Use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of pasta or pierogi for a low-carb option that still delivers comfort.

Final Thought

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a nostalgic comfort meal, or a new way to enjoy Eastern European flavors, pierogi casserole delivers with heartiness and versatility. With endless ways to adapt it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.